Remarkable People by Etat Libre d'Orange: A Sparkling Chypre
A unisex EDP that opens with champagne sparkle and settles into a warm, spicy-woody embrace.
By Vivir·
In this review
In the world of niche perfumery, Etat Libre d'Orange has always been a provocateur, challenging conventions with scents that are as thought-provoking as they are beautiful. With Remarkable People, released in 2015, the house turns its gaze to the concept of the extraordinary individual—a celebration of uniqueness and charisma. The result is a unisex Eau de Parfum that sparkles with effervescent citrus and champagne, then wraps you in a warm, spicy-woody embrace that is both sophisticated and comforting.
Created by perfumer Cécile Matton, Remarkable People is a study in contrasts: the bright, celebratory opening of grapefruit and champagne accord, the unexpected spice of black pepper and curry leaf, and the creamy, grounding base of sandalwood and labdanum. It is a fragrance that feels like a toast to the remarkable in all of us—a scent that is at once familiar and utterly original. In this review, I'll take you on a sensory journey through its notes, performance, and character, so you can decide if this remarkable composition deserves a place in your collection.
Black PepperCurry Tree (Curry Neo Jungle Essence™)Jasmine
Base
SandalwoodLorenox™Labdanum
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 min
The first 0-30 minutes: A burst of sparkling grapefruit and champagne accord, lifted by a hint of cardamom. Effervescent and bright, like a celebratory toast.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
1-2 hours (heart): The sparkle softens, revealing a spicy heart of black pepper and a unique curry leaf note, moderated by jasmine. The composition becomes warmer and more complex.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
4+ hours: The base emerges with creamy sandalwood, the woody-musky Lorenox™, and a touch of labdanum, leaving a soft, amber-tinged trail.
Performance Dashboard
Longevity3.0/5
Moderate, about 4-6 hours on most skin; some may find it fades faster.
Projection3.0/5
Moderate, close-to-skin after the opening sparkle fades.
Sillage3.0/5
Moderate; it leaves a subtle scent trail.
When to Wear
SpringBest
SummerBest
FallOK
WinterAvoid
OfficeDaytimeCasualCelebrations
Pros & Cons
+Unique champagne accord
+Versatile for office and casual wear
+Unisex appeal
+Quality natural ingredients like Curry Neo Jungle Essence™
−Moderate longevity
−Price may be high for some
−Curry note could be polarizing
−Projection fades quickly
Price & Value
€165
At €165 for 100ml, it is priced in the mid-to-high niche range. The unique composition and quality ingredients justify the cost for enthusiasts, but sample first.
“Fair value for a niche fragrance with a distinctive character, though not an everyday budget buy.”
Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported.
Who It's For
Ideal For
Unisex fragrance lovers
Those who enjoy fresh-spicy citrus scents
Office workers seeking a sophisticated daytime scent
People who appreciate unique notes like champagne and curry leaf
Layer with a citrus cologne (e.g., bergamot or neroli) to amplify the opening sparkle.
Combine with a warm amber or vanilla base to extend longevity and add depth.
Pair with a woody fragrance like sandalwood or cedar to enhance the drydown.
Final Verdict
Remarkable People is a unique, sparkling unisex EDP that balances effervescent citrus with a warm, spicy-woody base. While its moderate performance may deter some, its distinctive character and quality ingredients make it a worthy addition for those seeking a sophisticated, office-friendly scent.